Dispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket

ABSTRACT

A dispenser includes a flow-through compressible gasket and housing having a reservoir for containing a product. The flow-through compressible gasket has a at least one aperture to provide a product delivery passage when the dispenser is in an open position and to prevent leakage when the dispenser is in a closed position. In some examples, the flow-through compressible gasket may be made of a material having elastomeric properties. Thus, the compressible flow-through compressible gasket provides a seal for the dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Devices exist for dispensing cosmetic, medicinal, food, household, orother type products. Such devices usually consist of an outer housing, adelivery mechanism for dispensing the different types of products, andan applicator. For example, in various industries, devices are employedfor applying powder, gel, creams, or lotions. In the cosmetics andpersonal care industries, devices are used to apply lipstick, lip balm,skin creams, lotions, compact powder, loose powder, and other cosmeticproducts to portions of the face and body.

Typically, these devices have many drawbacks. For example, the productmay not be dispensed at a controlled rate, allowing either too little ortoo much to come out of the device. Another problem is that anapplicator on the device may allow product to continue to flow out ofthe device, once the desired amount of product has been dispensed. Forexample, the product may leak or spill out of the device, especiallywhen travelling from one location to another for reapplication duringthe day, resulting in a wasted amount of product and a mess for theuser. Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for improved devices.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of dispenserswith flow-through compressible gaskets, which are further describedbelow in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended toidentify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

This disclosure is directed to dispensers with flow-through compressiblegaskets having a at least one aperture. This disclosure describes adispenser includes a housing with a reservoir for containing a powderedcosmetic product. The dispenser includes a flow-through compressiblegasket with a at least one aperture. The dispenser has an outer dialbeing actuatable to selectively deliver the powdered cosmetic productthrough the at least one aperture in the flow-through compressiblegasket. Furthermore, the dispenser with the flow-through compressiblegasket is capable of delivering product and preventing leakage ofproduct.

This disclosure is also directed to a flow-through compressible gaskethaving at least one aperture that is substantially circular-shape orsubstantially hour-glass shape. The flow through compressible gasket ismade of a thermoplastic elastomer material.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed aboveor will be discussed below can be achieved independently in variousimplementations, or may be combined in yet other implementations,further details of which can be seen with reference to the followingdescription and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items.

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an illustrative dispenser with aflow-through compressible gasket according to one implementation;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of exemplary applicators for thedispensers;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, taken along line A-A and along line C-C of anillustrative dispenser cap for the dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser of FIG.1;

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, and 5 c are a bottom view, a top plan view, and aperspective plan view respectively, of an illustrative flow-throughcompressible gasket according to one implementation; and

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exterior views of an illustrative dispenser of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another illustrative implementation of adispenser with a flow-through compressible gasket;

FIG. 9 is perspective view of the outer dial according to theimplementation of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the inner dial according to theimplementation of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c are a top plan view view, a front perspectiveview, and a side view respectively, of the illustrative flow-throughcompressible gasket according to an implementation;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of theillustrative flow-through dispenser of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser of FIG.8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

One implementation of this disclosure is directed towards dispenserswith flow-through compressible gaskets in a rotating motion to dispenseproduct and to prevent leakage of the product. For example, a cosmeticdispenser includes a housing having a reservoir for containing apowdered cosmetic product. The dispenser includes a flow-throughcompressible gasket with at least one aperture. Furthermore, thedispenser includes an outer dial with at least one aperture beingactutable to selectively deliver the powdered cosmetic product throughthe at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket. Theflow-through compressible gasket provides a mechanical seal between theouter dial and an inner dial. The dispenser includes an applicatorcoupled to the outer dial for applying the powdered cosmetic product,such that the product delivery passageway terminates in the applicator.

Another implementation includes a product dispenser with a flow-throughcompressible gasket having at least one aperture. An outer dial coupledto the flow-through compressible gasket is rotatable between an openposition defining a delivery passageway for a product and a closedposition for preventing product leakage. The outer dial in the openposition by rotation causes the at least one aperture in theflow-through compressible gasket to align with one or more apertures inan inner dial and/or outer dial. Furthermore, the outer dial in theclosed position by rotation causes the at least one aperture in theflow-through compressible gasket to align with a plurality of raisedsections in the inner dial and/or outer dial to create a seal. The sealhelps prevent leakage of the product.

In yet another implementation, the flow-through compressible gasket withat least one aperture may include an hourglass shape configuration andmay be made of a material having elastomeric properties.

By way of example and not limitation, dispensers with flow-throughcompressible gaskets described herein may be applied in many contextsand environments. For example, dispensers with flow-through compressiblegaskets may be implemented for medicinal products, cosmetics andpersonal care industries, powdered cosmetic products, mineral products,food products, spices, carpet deodorizers, baking soda, and the like.For example, in various industries, devices with flow-throughcompressible gaskets may be employed for applying powdered, gel, creams,or lotion products. In the cosmetics and personal care industries,devices with flow-through compressible gaskets may be used to applylipstick, lip balm, skin creams, lotions, powdered, loose powder, andother cosmetic products to portions of the face and body.

Illustrative Dispenser With A Flow-Through Compressible Gasket

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an illustrative dispenser 100 with arotating mechanism. In this implementation, the dispenser 100 may beselectively rotatable in a spiral motion between an open position and aclosed position. The open position may be considered an open state todeliver product. The closed position may be considered a closed statefor no product delivery. When there is no product delivery, thedispenser may be stored for ease of travel.

FIG. 1 shows the dispenser 100 having a housing 102 with a reservoir.The housing 102 includes a ridge around a neck portion. In someinstances, the housing 102 may be made of clear, substantially opaque,or translucent materials. The dispenser 100 has an o-ring seal 104 thatis coupled to an inner dial 106. The inner dial 106 may be secured tothe housing 102 by, way of example, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive,and/or engagement by one or more engagement features. In the illustratedimplementation, the housing 102 includes ribs to couple to the innerdial 106. While in another implementation, the inner dial may beco-molded with the reservoir and the housing 102 as one piece. Whenconstructed as one piece, the inner dial and the reservoir in thehousing may be made of different or same materials.

The o-ring seal 104 is illustrated as being generally ring orcircular-shape. However, the o-ring seal 104 may be configured invirtually any desired shape, such as oval, elliptical, spherical,curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like. The o-ring seal 104 helps holdthe inner dial 106 to the housing 102 to form a seal. The o-ring seal104 may be made of materials including but not limited to, nitrilerubber, Buna-N, synthetic rubber copolymer of acrylonitrile andbutadiene, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), silicon, and the like.

The inner dial 106 may include one or more apertures to transportproduct from the reservoir in the housing 102 to an applicator forproduct delivery. The inner dial 106 also includes one or more raisedsections alternating with the one or more apertures in the inner dial.The one or more raised sections include but are not limited to, made ofthe same material as the inner dial, formed of over molded thermoplasticelastomeric material, made of a plurality of raised bumps, made of asmall layer, or made of thermoplastic elastomeric rings surrounding thebumps or the raised sections.

In the illustrated implementation, the dispenser 100 includes agenerally disk-shaped flow-through compressible gasket 108. In animplementation, the flow-through compressible gasket may be disposed ina groove in the inner dial 106. The inner dial 106 may be recessed tohold the flow-through compressible gasket 108 in place upon actuation bya user. In some implementations, the inner dial 106 may be constructedas a separate piece from the flow-through compressible gasket 108. Whilein other implementations, the inner dial may be constructed with theflow-through compressible gasket 108 as one piece. When co-moldedtogether as one piece, the inner dial and the flow-through compressiblegasket may be made of different materials.

The dispenser 100 also includes an outer dial 110 that may be made of athermoplastic polymer, for example, which is non-reactive with theproduct. In an implementation, the outer dial may include one or moreraised sections alternating with one or more apertures in the outerdial. The one or more raised sections include but are not limited to,made of the same material as the outer dial, formed of over-moldedthermoplastic elastomeric material, made of a plurality of raised bumps,made of a small layer, or made of thermoplastic elastomeric ringssurrounding the bumps or the raised sections.

The outer dial 110 may be secured to the inner dial 106 by, for example,a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or moreengagement features. In the illustrated implementation, the outer dial110 includes ribs to couple to the inner dial 106. The ribs allow theouter dial to rotate to the closed or the opened positions. Also, theouter dial 110 may include a recessed opening and one or more ridgesaround the external circumference.

The flow-through compressible gasket 108 helps create a seal whenactuation occurs in the closed position. In this closed position, theflow-through compressible gasket 108 allows for repeated transport ofthe filled dispenser 100 without experiencing leaky cosmetic trails fromone location to another. While in the closed position, the flow-throughcompressible gasket 108 prevents movement of the product along thedelivery passageway due to the seal. Furthermore, the flow-throughcompressible gasket 108 allows a controlled rate of product to bedispensed at one time in the open position. In this open position, thecontrolled rate of product occurs without loose powder being distributedall over the user. A more detailed discussion of the flow-throughcompressible gasket 108 follows in FIG. 5.

The seal may be created in different ways. In an implementation, theouter dial holds the flow-through compressible gasket in place. In thisimplementation, the inner dial may include one or more raised sectionsthat may align with the one or more apertures in the flow-throughcompressible gasket. Upon actuation of the outer dial, the downwardrotation causes the one or more raised sections in the inner dial tocompress against the one or more apertures in the flow-throughcompressible gasket. Since the flow-through gasket is compressible, thiscompression between the one or more raised sections or small bumps orsmooth areas in the inner dial and the one or more apertures in theflow-through compressible gasket creates the seal and avoids any productleakage. Alternatively, the one or more apertures in the flow-throughcompressible gasket may compress against the one or more raised sectionsin the inner dial to create the seal. In some instances, there may bepressure exerted with the downward rotation.

In yet another implementation, the inner dial holds the flow-throughcompressible gasket in place. In this implementation, the outer dial mayinclude one or more raised sections that are visible from the undersideview of the outer dial or seen underneath the outer dial. The one ormore raised sections or smooth areas or small bumps alternate with theone or more apertures in the outer dial. In this implementation, uponactuation of the outer dial, the one or more raised sections in theouter dial may align and may compress against the one or more aperturesin the flow-through compressible gasket, creating the seal. Since theflow-through gasket is compressible, this compression between the one ormore raised sections in the outer dial and the one or more apertures inthe flow-through compressible gasket creates the seal and avoids anyproduct leakage. Alternatively, the one or more apertures in theflow-through compressible gasket may align and may compress against theone or more raised sections in the outer dial. In some instances, theremay be pressure exerted with the downward rotation. A discussion of theproduct delivery mechanism follows in FIG. 4.

In the illustrated implementation, the outer dial 110 may also includeone or more pipes 112 which may be substantially cylindrical shapepipe(s) to form a product delivery passageway for the product in thehousing 102. Cross-sections of the plurality of cylindrical shapepipe(s) 112 may be substantially circular-shape or substantiallyoval-shape. In an implementation, the one or more pipes 112 may includethree substantially cylindrical shaped pipes that are substantiallycircular-shape. In other implementations, the outer dial 110 may notinclude any pipes extending through it.

The housing 102, the inner dial 106, and the outer dial 110 may beconstructed of materials including, by, for example, glass, metal, wood,plastics, polymers, composites thereof, or the like. In someimplementations, the housing 102, the inner dial 106, and the outer dial110 may be made at least partially of a resin such as, for example,acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN),pentachlorothioanisole (PCTA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE),Polyurethane, combinations thereof, or the like.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, inother implementations, the housing 102, the o-ring seal 104, the innerdial 106, and the outer dial 110 may be configured in any form suitablefor the application of the product contained in the dispenser 100. Thehousing 102, the o-ring seal 104, the inner dial 106, and the outer dial110 may each be configured in virtually any desired shape, such ascircular-shape, disk-shape, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear,trapezoidal, or the like.

Illustrative Applicator and Cap for Dispenser With Flow-ThroughCompressible Gasket

FIG. 1 shows the dispenser 100 has an applicator 114 along with aremovable cap 116 or a cover that is sized and shaped to fit over thetop of the applicator 114. In an implementation, the removable cap 116may snap onto the housing 102. In another implementation, the removablecap 116 may include threads to screw onto the housing 102 to mate withit. In other implementations, the dispenser 100 may include a clearplastic cover, a sliding pull up cover, and the like. In thisillustration, the dispenser 100 includes the removable cap 116 thatencapsulates the applicator 114 when the dispenser 100 is not in use. Inyet another implementation, the dispenser 100 may not include aremovable cap or a cover.

The removable cap 116 may include a mirror 118 for convenience of theuser to have the mirror 118 readily available when applying the product.The mirror 118 may range in thickness from at least about two mm to atmost about eight mm. In various implementations, the mirror 118 may becoupled to the removable cap 116 by adhesive, press fit, snap fit, oneor more ribs or barbs, or any other suitable fastening means. The mirror118 may be located on a top, a side, or underneath the removable cap116. In another implementation, the dispenser 100 may not include amirror. In practice, the applicator 114, the removable cap 116, and themirror 118 may be configured in virtually any desired shape, such asdisk-shaped, oval, elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, orthe like.

FIG. 2 represents a perspective view of exemplary applicators 200 forthe dispenser 100. The applicator 200 includes a base portion 202 thatis coupled to the outer dial 110. In various implementations, theapplicator 200 may be coupled to the base portion 202 by adhesive, pressfit, snap fit, one or more ribs or barbs, or any other suitablefastening means. The top portion of applicator 200 includes but is notlimited to, a brush 204, a sponge 206, or a powder puff 208 to apply theproduct. In some implementations, the applicator 200 may be used toapply products including but not limited to, cosmetic powdered products,medical powdered products, and the like.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described,the applicator 200 may be configured in any form suitable for theapplication of the product contained in the dispenser. For example, theapplicator 200 may be constructed in any other suitable shape and sizeand may have any suitable mass, surface finish, and/or surface treatmentdesired for a given application. In practice, the applicator 200 may beconfigured in virtually any desired shape, such as disk-shaped, oval,elliptical, spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view, taken along line A-A and along line C-C ofthe illustrative dispenser cap for the dispenser of FIG. 1.

Illustrative Mechanisms Using the Flow-Through Compressible Gasket

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative dispenser with theflow-through compressible gasket according to the implementation ofFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the dispenser 400 has a housing 102, where aproduct delivery passageway 402 extends from the housing 102 andterminates in an opening on the applicator 114.

The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, ofdelivery mechanisms for dispensing the product in the open position andof preventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples maybe implemented using a rotation or a reverse rotation operation, wherebythe user may operate the dispenser 100 by moving the outer dial 110relative to the inner dial 106 in either a clockwise or acounterclockwise direction. The rotations may move from left to rightand right to left. The opened and closed positions may apply torotations which include but are not limited to, clockwise and/orcounterclockwise directions, left and/or right movements, up and/or downmotions, and the like.

The size of the apertures in the inner dial 106, the flow-through gasket108, and the outer dial 110 is of a sufficient size and of an adequateopening to allow for product delivery without being plugged. Forexample, the size of the apertures may range from at least about 1 mm toat most about 6 mm. In one implementation, each aperture is at leastabout 2.5 mm in size.

The configuration of the apertures may range from two or three aperturespositioned at 120 degrees apart from each other. In anotherimplementation, the configuration of the apertures may range from fourapertures positioned at 90 degrees apart from each other. Yet in anotherimplementation, there may be one aperture located in a center oroff-center of the inner dial, the flow-through compressible gasket, orthe outer dial. The apertures may be located at angles ranging fromabout 45 degrees apart to about 180 degrees.

The number of apertures in each element may range from at least oneaperture to about four apertures. As mentioned above, the number ofraised sections may alternate with the number of apertures in the innerdial or the outer dial.

The shape, size, and number of the apertures in the inner dial 106, theflow-through compressible gasket 108, and the outer dial 110 may bedifferent in relation to each other. For example, there may be oneaperture in the flow-through compressible gasket and two apertures ineach of the inner dial and the outer dial. Furthermore, the shape of theaperture(s) in the flow-through compressible gasket may be circularshape, in the inner dial may be oval shape, and in the outer dialtrapezoid shape. Any combination of shapes, size, and number ofapertures are possible.

In one example, the outer dial 110 serves as an operating mechanism toallow product delivery in the open position. The rotation of the outerdial to the open position causes the one or more apertures of theflow-through compressible gasket 108 to align with one or more aperturesin the inner dial 106 and/or the outer dial 110, such that the productis transported through this product delivery passageway 402. In anotherimplementation, the outer dial with the plurality of pipes serves as anoperating mechanism to allow product delivery in the open position. Themechanism is the same as above, whereas the rotation of the outer dialgoes to the open position, which causes the plurality of pipes to alignwith one or more apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket andwith one or more apertures in the inner dial. Thus, the product istransported through this product delivery passageway of the apertures inthe flow-through compressible gasket and the plurality of pipes.

In yet another example, the outer dial 110 serves as an operatingmechanism to prevent product leakage in the closed position.Furthermore, actuation by the user comprises the rotation mechanism thatis helical by causing the outer dial 110 to apply a downward pressureagainst the flow-through compressible gasket 108 in the closed position.In this closed position, the outer dial 110 provides a cam action sealby aligning the at least one aperture of the flow-through compressiblegasket 108 to the plurality of raised sections or areas on the innerdial 106 and/or the outer dial 110, as previously mentioned. Thus, theclosed position prevents product leakage by sealing the product deliverypassageway 402.

In FIG. 4, shown is 404 which includes but is not limited to a filter, astrainer, or a diffuser, and such. The filter, strainer, or diffuser 404is used in some implementations to help filter, strain, or diffuse theproduct before travelling up to the gasket. This variation is shown inFIG. 4, not shown in the dispenser in FIG. 1.

In implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotation atleast about 10 degrees to at most about 359 degrees to the openposition. In other implementations, the rotation mechanism may include arotation at a minimum of at least about 5 degrees to at most about 350degrees. Another example for delivery mechanism for dispensing theproduct may be a rotation of at least about 180 degrees, relative to asufficient number of the at least one aperture and a sufficient size ofthe at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket.

Actuation may also occur by turning, depressing, sliding, tilting, orotherwise manipulating an outer cover, a knob on an outer cover, and/orby any other suitable dispensing mechanism. In an implementation, a knobon the outer cover allows product delivery in the open position.However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism maybe used.

Illustrative Flow-Through Compressible Gasket

FIGS. 5 a, 5 b, and 5 c are a bottom view, a top plan view, and aperspective view respectively, of an illustrative flow-throughcompressible gasket according to one implementation. FIG. 5 aillustrates the flow-through compressible gasket 500 having asubstantially disk-shaped body 502 with a top raised center section on atop side 504. The top raised center section 504 may be substantiallycircular-shape, substantially square-shape, or substantially oval-shape.In this illustration, the top raised center section 504 is substantiallycircular-shape. The top center-raised section 504 may correspond to adepression on the mating side, the depression located on either theinner dial or the outer dial.

FIG. 5 a shows the at least one aperture 506 located on thesubstantially disk-shaped body 502. The at least one aperture 506 alignswith the at least one aperture of the inner dial 106 and/or outer dial110 or in some implementations with the plurality of pipes in the outerdial to deliver the powdered product. The apertures 506 in theflow-through compressible gasket 500 may have shapes that includes butare not limited to, substantially circular-shape, substantiallysquare-shape, or substantially oval-shape. Shown are apertures 506 thatare substantially circular-shape.

The size of the at least one aperture 506 are of a sufficient size toallow for product delivery without being plugged. The size of theaperture is of an adequate opening to allow the powdered particles totravel through at least one aperture 506. For example, the size of theapertures 506 in the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may range fromat least about 1 mm to at most about 6 mm. In one implementation, theaperture 506 is at least about 2 mm diameter in size.

The number of the at least one aperture 506 are of a sufficient numberto allow for product delivery in the open position, but is somewhatdependent on the size of the apertures. In an implementation, there maybe three apertures as shown. In other implementations, the apertures mayinclude but is not limited to, from at least about one aperture to atmost about four apertures.

The arrangement of the apertures 506 may be in a triangularconfiguration as shown. In another implementation, the arrangement maybe in various configurations, including but not limited to a square, acircular or hour-glass configuration.

The substantially disk-shaped body 502 includes a circular ring 508 oneach side of the disk-shaped body 502. In one implementation, a firstcircular ring surrounds the apertures and is to couple to the inner dial106 on one side and a second circular ring surrounds the apertures andis to couple to the outer dial 110 on the outer side.

The flow-through compressible gasket 500 includes an outer perimeterhaving a plurality of flat sides 510 and a plurality of semicircularsides 512, alternating, on the substantially disk-shape body. Theplurality of semicircular sides 512 holds the flow-through compressiblegasket 500 secure against the outer dial 110 or the inner dial 106 uponactuation in the various implementations. The plurality of flat sides510 may apply to any sides of the substantially disk-shaped body 502.For example, the flat sides 510 may include, but is not limited to threesides arranged in a triangle type formation or configuration. Thesemicircular side 512 may apply to any sides of the substantiallydisk-shaped body 502.

The semicircular sides 512 arranged in a triangle type formation orconfiguration. In an implementation, the substantially disk-shaped body502 may include alternating flat sides 510 with alternating semicircularsides 512. The number of semicircular sides and flat sides may eachrange from at least about one to the most about four.

FIG. 5 b shows the other side of the substantially disk-shaped body 502of the flow-through compressible gasket. The center raised section 514in the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may be substantiallysquared-shape. The center-raised section 514 may have shapes thatincludes but are not limited to, substantially circular-shape,substantially square-shape, or substantially oval-shape. Thecenter-raised section 514 may correspond to a depression on the matingside, the depression located on either the inner dial or the outer dial.shaped.

FIG. 5 c shows a perspective view of the flow-through compressiblegasket 500. The flow-through compressible gasket 500 is made of amaterial capable of having elastomeric properties. The materials includebut are not limited to, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplasticpolymer, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyurethane, polyester copolymer,styrene copolymer, olefin, ethylene acrylic, chlorinated polyethylene,chlorosulfonated polyethylene, fluorocarbon, rubber, while in otherimplementations, the elastomeric material may comprise a relativelypliable or gel-like material such as butyl rubber, silicone, butadienerubber, neoprene, nitrile, fluorosilicone, styrene-butadiene rubber(SBR), or the like.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, inother implementations, the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may beconfigured in any form suitable for the application of the productcontained in the dispenser. For example, the flow-through compressiblegasket 500 may be constructed in any other suitable shape and size andmay have any suitable number of apertures, size of apertures, shape ofapertures desired for a given application. The size, number, and shapeof the apertures on the flow-through compressible gasket 500 may varybetween implementations. Fabrication of the dispenser and theflow-through compressible gasket 500 may be accomplished through aseparate manufacturing process, a co-molding process, or any othersuitable production process.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exterior views of the illustrative dispenser of FIG.1.

An Illustrative Dispenser With Flow-Through Compressible Gasket HavingAn Hour-Glass Shape

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another implementation of a dispenser witha flow-through compressible gasket. FIG. 8 illustrates the dispenserhaving a flow-through compressible gasket with an hour-glass shape 800according to one implementation. In this implementation, the dispenser800 may rotate to an open position when an actuator causes at least oneaperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glassshape to be alignable with at least one aperture in an outer dial and/oran inner dial to define a product passageway. Furthermore, the dispenser800 may rotate to a closed position when the actuator causes the atleast one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket with thehour-glass shape to be alignable with a smooth area of the inner dialand/or the outer dial to not define a product passageway. For ease ofconvenience, the term “flow-through compressible gasket with anhour-glass shape” may be used interchangeably with a shortened versionof “flow-through compressible gasket H”.

FIG. 8 represents the illustrative dispenser 800 having an end cap 802coupled to a housing 804 with a reservoir to contain the product. Thehousing 804 has a ridge at the bottom, the reservoir may be refillablewith product by removing the end cap 802 to refill product. In someinstances, the housing 804 may be made of clear, substantially opaque,or translucent materials. In an implementation, the housing and the endcap may be molded together. When the housing and the end cap are moldedtogether, the reservoir is filled at the top of the housing.

The dispenser 800 includes a slide 806 that covers the variouscomponents of the dispenser. In another implementation, the slide 806selectively moves with a sliding motion to an upward position and to adownward position to retract an applicator brush. A user selectivelymoves the slide 806 with the sliding motion to the upward position,which slides up and protects the shape of the applicator brush when notin use. Furthermore, the user selectively moves the slide 806 with thesliding motion to the downward position to expose and to provide accessto the applicator brush. Thus, the slide 806 retracts the applicatorbrush.

The dispenser includes an inner dial or an inner valve 808, aflow-through compressible gasket with an hour-glass shape 810, and anouter dial or an outer valve 812. The inner dial 808 may be secured tothe housing 804 and the slide 806, by, for example, a press-fit, asnap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by one or more engagementfeatures. In the illustrated implementation, the inner dial 808 mayinclude side engagement features to couple to the slide 806 and to thehousing 804 to provide a secure fit. The inner dial 808 includes acenter-raised section that has a plurality of smooth areas alternatingwith at least one aperture.

The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, ofdelivery mechanisms for dispensing the product in the open position andof preventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples maybe implemented using a rotation or a reverse rotation operation, wherebythe user may operate the dispenser 800 by moving the outer dial 812relative to the inner dial 808 in either a clockwise or acounterclockwise direction. The rotations may move from left to rightand/or right to left. The opened and closed positions may apply torotations which include but are not limited to, clockwise and/orcounterclockwise directions, left and/or right movements, up and/or downmotions, and the like.

The apertures in the flow-through compressible gasket H 810 aligns withat least one aperture in the inner dial 808 and/or the upper dial 812 tocause the dispenser 800 to be in an open position. This open positionallows for product delivery.

At least one aperture in the inner dial 808, the flow-throughcompressible gasket H 810, and the outer dial 812 may have shapes thatinclude but are not limited to, substantially hour-glass shaped,substantially disk-shape, substantially circular-shape, substantiallysquare-shape, substantially oval-shape, or substantially trapezoidshape.

The size of the apertures in the inner dial 808, the flow-throughcompressible gasket H 810, and the outer dial 812 is of a sufficientsize and of an adequate opening to allow for product delivery withoutbeing plugged. For example, the size of the apertures may range from atleast about 1 mm to at most about 5 mm. In one implementation, eachaperture is at least about 2 mm in size.

The number of apertures in the inner dial 808, the flow-throughcompressible gasket H 810, and the outer dial 812 may range from atleast one aperture to about four apertures.

The shape, size, and number of the apertures in the inner dial 808, theflow-through compressible gasket H 810, and the outer dial 812 may bedifferent in relation to each other. For example, there may be oneaperture in the flow-through compressible gasket and two apertures ineach of the inner dial and the outer dial. Furthermore, the shape of theaperture(s) in the flow-through compressible gasket may be substantiallyhour-glass shape, in the inner dial may be disk-shape, and in the outerdial trapezoid shape. Any combination of shapes, size, and number ofapertures are possible.

The plurality of smooth areas in the inner dial 808 and/or outer dial812 are alignable with the at least one aperture in the flow-throughcompressible gasket H 810 to cause the dispenser to be in a closedposition. This closed position prevents movement of the product along adelivery passageway. Furthermore, the flow-through compressible gasket H810 allows a controlled rate of product to be dispensed at one timewithout loose powder being distributed all over the user.

The dispenser 800 also includes an actuator 814, which may include anaperture and at least one or more ridges around the externalcircumference of the actuator. The actuator 814 may also be the outerdial. The actuator 814 may include at least one post to help define theproduct delivery passageway.

The actuator 814 may be secured to the outer dial 812 including but notlimited to, a press-fit, a snap-fit, adhesive, and/or engagement by oneor more engagement features. Also, the actuator 814 may include at leastone or more ridges around the external circumference for ease ofconvenience for the user to rotate the actuator.

The end cap 802,the housing 804, the slide 806, the inner dial 808, theouter dial 812, and the actuator 814 may be constructed of materialsincluding, but not limited to, wood, plastics, polymers, thermoplastics,composites thereof, or the like. In some implementations, the describedcomponents may be made at least partially of a resin such as, forexample, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), styrene acrylonitrile(SAN), pentachlorothioanisole (PCTA), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene(PE), polyurethane, combinations thereof, or the like.

FIG. 8 shows the dispenser 800 has an applicator. The applicatorincludes a applicator holder 816 coupled to the applicator 818. Theapplicator holder 816 serves as a base to hold a brush applicator 818 oras a base for a sponge or powder puff applicator.

In some implementations, the applicator may include a sponge which mayinclude at least one aperture. The apertures may range in number from atleast about one to at most about six apertures. The apertures in thesponge applicator (not shown) may range in size from at least about 1 mmto at most about 4 mm in diameter.

The dispenser 800 includes a removable cap 820 or a cover that is sizedand shaped to fit over the top of the applicator 818. In animplementation, the removable cap 820 may snap onto the housing 804. Inyet another implementation, the removable cap 820 may include threads toscrew onto the housing 804 that mates with it. In some instances, theremovable cap 820 may be made of clear, substantially opaque, ortranslucent materials. In other implementations, the dispenser 800 mayinclude a clear plastic cover, a sliding pull up cover, and the like. Inthis illustration, the dispenser 800 includes the removable cap 820 thatencapsulates the applicator 818 when the dispenser 800 is not in use. Inanother implementation, the dispenser may not include a removable cap orcover.

The removable cap 820 may include a mirror (not shown) for convenienceof the user to have the mirror readily available when applying theproduct. The mirror may range in thickness from at least about two mm toat most about eight mm. In various implementations, the mirror may becoupled to the removable cap by adhesive, press fit, snap fit, one ormore ribs or barbs, or any other suitable fastening means. The mirrormay be located on the top, the side, or inside the removable cap. Inanother implementation, the dispenser 800 may not include a mirror.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, inother implementations, the end cap 802, the housing 804, the slide 806,the inner dial 808, the outer dial 812, the actuator 814, the applicatorholder 816, the applicator 818, and the cap 820 may be configured in anyform suitable for the application of the product contained in thedispenser 800. For example, the above items listed may be constructed inany other suitable shape and size and may have any suitable mass,surface finish, and/or surface treatment desired for a givenapplication. In practice, the above items listed may be configured invirtually any desired shape, such as disk-shaped, oval, elliptical,spherical, curvilinear, trapezoidal, or the like.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the inner dial 808 for the dispenser ofFIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outer dial 812 for thedispenser of FIG. 8.

Flow-Through Compressible Gasket H

FIGS. 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c are a front perspective view, a top planview, and a side elevation view, respectively, of the flow-throughcompressible gasket H 810. In these figures, the flow-throughcompressible gasket H includes apertures having a substantiallyhour-glass shape surrounded by circular rings on the top and the bottomsides of the gasket.

The flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 ismade of a material capable of having both thermoplastic and elastomericproperties, including but not limited to a thermoplastic elastomer(TPE), a thermoplastic rubber, a thermoplastic polymer, an elastomer,and the like. In some implementations, the elastomeric material maycomprise polyurethane, polyester copolymer, styrene copolymer, olefin,ethylene acrylic, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonatedpolyethylene, fluorocarbon, while in other implementations, theelastomeric material may comprise a relatively pliable or gel-likematerial such as butyl rubber, silicone, butadiene rubber, neoprene,nitrile, fluorosilicone, styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), or the like.

FIG. 11 a illustrates a front perspective view of the flow-throughcompressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810. FIG. 11 a illustrateshow the flow-through compressible gasket H includes a substantiallycircular-shaped body with a raised center section. The body and theraised center section may be in other configurations and shapes,including but not limited to substantially circular-shaped,substantially square-shaped or substantially oval-shaped.

The flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810includes a at least one aperture located on the substantiallycircular-shaped body. The at least one aperture aligns with the at leastone aperture of the inner dial and the at least one aperture of theouter dial to deliver the product. The at least one aperture in theflow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 may haveshapes that includes but are not limited to, substantially circular,substantially square-shaped, or substantially oval-shaped. In thisillustration, the at least one aperture is substantially hour-glassshape.

The number of the at least one aperture is of a sufficient number toallow for product delivery, but is dependent on the size of theaperture. In an implementation, the at least one aperture may includetwo apertures. In other implementations, the at least one aperture mayinclude but is not limited to, from at least one aperture to at mostfour apertures. The arrangement of the at least one aperture may be of ahour-glass shape formation with two apertures as shown in FIG. 11 a or acircular shaped with three apertures at least 2 mm diameter.

FIG. 11 c illustrates a side view of the flow-through compressiblegasket with the hour-glass shape 810. The flow-through compressiblegasket with the hour-glass shape 810 includes a first circular ringconnecting to the substantially circular-shaped body on one side and asecond circular ring connecting to the substantially circular-shapedbody on the other side.

While features of various illustrative implementations are described, inother implementations, the flow-through compressible gasket with thehour-glass shape 810 may be configured in any form suitable for theapplication of the product contained in the dispenser 800. For example,the flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 maybe constructed in any other suitable shape and size and may have anysuitable number of apertures, size of apertures, shape of aperturesdesired for a given application. Fabrication of the dispenser and theflow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape 810 may beaccomplished through a separate manufacturing process, a co-moldingprocess, or any other suitable production process. Fabrication ofdispenser and flow-through compressible gasket with the hour-glass shape810 may be accomplished through a separate manufacturing process, aco-molding process, or any other suitable production process.

Illustrative Delivery Mechanism for Flow-Through Compressible GasketWith Hour-Glass Shape

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view, taken along line A-A of theillustrative dispenser of FIG. 8. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view ofthe dispenser according to the dispenser of FIG. 8.

The following is a discussion of examples, without limitation, ofdelivery mechanisms for dispensing a product in the open position and ofpreventing product leakage in the closed position. The examples may beimplemented using a rotation or reverse rotation operation, whereby auser may operate the dispenser 800 by moving the actuator relative tothe sifter in either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction.However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism maybe used.

Shown in FIG. 14 is how a product delivery passageway extends from thehousing and terminates in the applicator. In one example, the actuatorserves as an operating mechanism to allow product delivery in the openposition. The rotation of the actuator to the open position causes atleast one aperture of the flow-through compressible gasket H with thehour-glass shape to align with the at least one aperture in the innerdial or the outer dial, such that the product is transported throughthis product delivery passageway. The product is dispensed from thereservoir in the housing through to the applicator.

In one example, the actuator serves as an operating mechanism to preventproduct leakage by applying a downward pressure against the flow-throughcompressible gasket with hour-glass shape to create a seal. Furthermore,actuation by the user comprises a rotation mechanism that is helical bycausing the actuator to apply a downward pressure against theflow-through compressible gasket with hour-glass shape for the closedposition. In this closed position, the actuator provides a cam actionseal by aligning smooth areas on the outer dial and/or the inner dial tothe at least one aperture of the flow-through compressible gasket H.Thus, the closed position prevents product leakage by sealing theproduct delivery passageway.

In some implementations, the rotation mechanism may include a rotationat least about 10 degrees to at most about 359 degrees to the openposition. In other implementations, the rotation mechanism may include arotation at a minimum of at least about 5 degrees to at most about 350degrees. Another example for delivery mechanism for dispensing theproduct may be a rotation of at least about 180 degrees, relative to asufficient number of the at least one aperture and a sufficient size ofthe at least one aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket H. Thedelivery mechanism include but is not limited to, clockwise or counterclockwise rotations, left or right movements, opened or closedpositions, and the like.

Actuation may also occur by turning, depressing, sliding, tilting, orotherwise manipulating an outer cover, a knob on an outer cover, and/orby any other suitable dispensing mechanism. In an implementation, a knobon the outer cover allows product delivery. This may occur by slidingthe knob to align the at least one aperture in the flow-throughcompressible gasket with a at least one aperture in the outer cover.However, in other implementations, any suitable delivery mechanism maybe used.

Conclusion

Although the invention has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the invention is not necessarily limited to the specific featuresor acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosedas illustrative forms of implementing the invention.

1. A cosmetic dispenser comprising: a housing having a reservoir forcontaining a powdered cosmetic product; an inner dial coupled to thehousing, the inner dial having at least one aperture; a flow-throughcompressible gasket comprising at least one aperture; an outer dialcoupled to the flow-through compressible gasket and to the inner dial,the outer dial having at least one aperture; the outer dial beingselectively actuatable in a rotating motion between: i) an open positionfor the dispenser to deliver the powdered cosmetic product; and ii) aclosed position to seal a delivery passageway; and an applicator coupledto the outer dial for applying the powdered cosmetic product.
 2. Thecosmetic dispenser of claim 1, wherein the flow-through compressiblegasket comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) material.
 3. Thecosmetic dispenser of claim 1, wherein the flow-through compressiblegasket comprises: a substantially disk-shape body with a top raisedcenter section on a top side and a bottom raised center section on abottom side; the at least one aperture located on the substantiallydisk-shape body and being alignable to define a delivery passageway forthe powdered cosmetic product; a first circular ring surrounding the atleast one aperture on the bottom side of the substantially disk-shapebody, the first circular ring to couple the flow-through compressiblegasket to the inner dial; a second circular ring surrounding the atleast one aperture on the top side of the substantially disk-shape body,the second circular ring to couple the flow-through compressible gasketto the outer dial; and an outer perimeter comprising a plurality of flatsides and a plurality of semicircular sides alternating on thesubstantially disk-shape body, the plurality of semicircular sides tohold the flow-through compressible gasket in place when actuationoccurs.
 4. The cosmetic dispenser of claim 1, wherein the flow-throughcompressible gasket comprises: a substantially circular-shape body; theat least one aperture located on the substantially circular-shape bodyand being alignable to define a delivery passageway for the powderedcosmetic product; a first circular ring surrounding the at least oneaperture on a bottom side of the substantially circular-shape body, thefirst circular ring to couple the flow-through compressible gasket tothe inner dial; a second circular ring surrounding the at least oneaperture on a top side of the substantially circular-shape body, thesecond circular ring to couple the flow-through compressible gasket tothe outer dial; and an outer perimeter comprising a substantiallycircular-shape body.
 5. The cosmetic dispenser of claim 1, wherein theat least aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket comprise asubstantially circular-shape, a substantially square-shape, asubstantially oval-shape or a substantially hour-glass shape.
 6. Thecosmetic dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture in theflow-through compressible gasket comprise at least about 2 mm in size.7. The cosmetic dispenser of claim 1, further compromising a slidecovering components of the dispenser, the slide is coupled to thehousing and being selectively moveable in a sliding motion between anupward position and a downward position over a brush applicator.
 8. Thecosmetic dispenser of claim 1, wherein the actuatable comprises arotation mechanism of at least about 10 degrees to at most about 350degrees.
 9. The cosmetic dispenser of claim 1, wherein the reservoirlocated in the housing comprises a refillable cap, such that therefillable cap is removed to refill the reservoir with product.
 10. Adispenser comprising: a housing having a reservoir for containing aproduct; an outer dial coupled to the housing, the outer dial beingselectively rotatable to an open position and a closed position; anapplicator coupled to the housing for applying the product; aflow-through compressible gasket interposed between the reservoir andthe applicator, the flow-through compressible gasket comprising at leastone aperture and an elastomer material.
 11. The dispenser of claim 10,wherein the outer dial is rotatable between an open position for productdelivery and a closed position for preventing product leakage.
 12. Thedispenser of claim 10, wherein a rotation of the outer dial to the openposition causes the at least one aperture in the flow-throughcompressible gasket to be alignable with at least one aperture in theouter dial for product delivery.
 13. The dispenser of claim 10, whereina rotation of the outer dial to the closed position causes the at leastone aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket to be alignablewith a smooth area for no delivery passageway.
 14. The dispenser ofclaim 10, wherein the flow-through compressible gasket comprises: afirst circular ring surrounding the at least one aperture on a bottomside of a body of the gasket; and a second circular ring surrounding theat least one aperture on a top side of the body of the gasket.
 15. Thedispenser of claim 14, wherein the flow-through compressible gasketfurther comprises: a substantially disk-shape body with a top raisedcenter section and a bottom raised center section; at least one aperturehaving a substantially circular-shape; and an outer perimeter of theflow-through compressible gasket comprises a plurality of flat sides anda plurality of semicircular sides, alternating on the substantiallydisk-shaped body.
 16. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein theflow-through compressible gasket further comprises: a substantiallycircular shape body; and at least one aperture having a substantiallyhour-glass shape.
 17. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the at leastone aperture in the flow-through compressible gasket are at least about2 mm in size.
 18. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein the outer dialcomprises a plurality of pipes to guide the product through theapplicator during delivery.
 19. The dispenser of claim 18, wherein thepipes in the outer dial comprises at least a substantiallycircular-shape, a substantially square-shape, or a substantiallyoval-shape.
 20. A flow-through compressible gasket comprising: at leastone aperture being located on a body of the gasket; a first circularring surrounding the at least one aperture on a bottom side of the body;a second circular ring surrounding the at least one aperture on a topside of the body; an outer perimeter around the body of the gasket; andthe flow-through compressible gasket comprising a thermoplasticelastomer (TPE) material.
 21. The flow-through compressible gasket ofclaim 20, wherein the at least one aperture in the flow-throughcompressible gasket comprise at least one of substantiallycircular-shape, substantially square-shape, substantially oval-shape, orsubstantially hour-glass shape.
 22. The flow-through compressible gasketof claim 20, wherein the outer perimeter comprises at least one of asubstantially circular-shape or a plurality of flat sides alternatingwith a plurality of semicircular sides on a substantially disk-shapebody.